Training and Grants Improves Serenah’s life

When Serenah was 16yrs, she was diagnosed with Volvulus (twisting of the intestine). She had to undergo surgery which was expensive. Her father used up all their savings and working capital to clear the bill.  

This left the family in a financial crisis where they could no longer afford to pay their bills or school fees for their four children. This led to Serenah dropping out of school.

Serenah joined Hope For Life Katanga  in 2020 in a bid to acquire a skill to pave a way for a clear career path which would help her sustain herself. In 2021 HOPE FOR LIFE staff identified a Vocational Institute for her to pursue skills training in Fashion and Design. She later completed in 2022 attaining a certificate in fashion and design.

After school, Serenah worked with a textile and design company. Here she had to stitch dresses requiring her to sit by the sewing machine for long hours (18 hours) with no rest in order to meet the intended target.

This resulted in her developing health problems where she fainted for lack of rest, developed ulcers because she did not eat in time and feet also swelled. With these complications it meant that all her earnings, which were small (UGX 1,000 / 25p per dress) had to be spent in the hospital.

With her exceptional skills attained in the training, Hope For Life Katanga provided Serenah with a new sewing machine with the purpose of empowering her to start self-employment. She currently designs and makes clothes for different clients, which enables her to earn more and enhance her skills as a fashion designer. Her own business opens her to other opportunities like interior designing. Serenah’s quality of life has also improved. Since she is her own boss, she monitors herself very well and rests in case she feels unwell.

Serenah is very thankful to Hope For Life Katanga for empowering her to realize her potential and achieve her dreams.